First Test Train Rolls Through Auckland’s City Rail Link Tunnels

14/02/2025

Auckland’s transport future just took a major step forward! On January 19, Wednesday night, the first test train successfully travelled through the full length of the City Rail Link (CRL) tunnels – a crucial milestone in New Zealand’s largest infrastructure project.

Downer is proud to be a key delivery partner in this transformational project, working alongside our Link Alliance partners to bring Auckland’s first fully underground rail system to life. This moment marks the beginning of the CRL’s dynamic testing phase, bringing us closer to a fully connected, high-capacity rail network for the city. 

Downer’s Role in Delivering the CRL 

Downer has contributed to multiple sections of the project, helping shape a transport system that will redefine how Aucklanders move around the city. Our work includes: 

• Waitematā Station (Britomart) and Lower Albert Street 
• Tunnels, train stations, rail systems, and urban realm upgrades as part of the Link Alliance 
• Station fit outs led by Hawkins (Link Alliance) 

A Milestone Built on Dedication and Expertise 

The first end-to-end train journey signals years of hard work and collaboration across hundreds of organisations.  

Glenn Houpapa, Stations Delivery Director, reflects on the achievement: 

“Achieving the first test train is an incredible milestone, made possible by thousands of people across hundreds of organisations. Millions of working hours have gone into getting the CRL to this point – from heavy civils and tunnel boring to architectural fit-out and 11.5km of rail installation. There’s still more work ahead with testing, commissioning, and asset handover, but this is a huge step toward completion!” 

Looking Ahead 

The test train’s journey from Waitematā to Maungawhau Station marks a major advancement, but there’s still work to be done. The coming months will focus on extensive testing, including brake trials on one of New Zealand’s steepest rail sections, as well as driver training and system integration. 

When CRL opens in 2026, Aucklanders will benefit from a more efficient, high-capacity rail network that will significantly reduce travel times and ease congestion. 

Downer is proud to be shaping the future of Auckland’s transport network and celebrating this significant milestone with our project partners. 

Stay tuned as we continue laying the tracks for a faster, more reliable, and more connected Auckland! 

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